Area Businesses Convene To Make The Most Of Super Bowl XLVIII -- JERSEY CITY, N.J., Oct. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Area Businesses Convene To Make The Most Of Super Bowl XLVIII

JERSEY CITY, N.J., Oct. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Conference/The Party (www.theconferencetheparty.com), will "kick off" with a business conference on October 22 at Maritime Parc in Jersey City, NJ geared toward helping area businesses position themselves to leverage Super Bowl XLVIII.

"The Super Bowl is a powerful stimulus for our regional economy," said Jim McGreevey, former New Jersey Governor and executive director, Jersey City Employment and Training Commission. "It creates an opportunity for the underemployed and unemployed to secure productive work experience within a limited timeframe. For persons at the financial edge, this is an incredible opportunity!"

The event will convene leaders from businesses, government, community groups, tourism, education and civic organizations. All are looking to capitalize on the influx of over 230,000 spectators and $550 million in regional economic activity for Super Bowl XLVIII.

"There is no doubt that the Super Bowl will have a significant impact on the region, enhancing its position as a global destination," said Wayne Hasenbalg, president & chief executive officer, New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA).

According to Radia Funna, founder of the brand positioning firm Build n Blaze, event creator and member of the Bergen and Hudson Counties' Super Bowl Huddle Zone Committees; the event will also provide opportunities for attendees to network and engage in broader discussions on how hosting an event like the Super Bowl can impact the region.

Keynote speaker and award-winning journalist Soledad O'Brien, founder of the Soledad O'Brien and Brad Raymond Starfish Foundation noted, "The Super Bowl can be leveraged by businesses to examine how we are impacting our communities. I hope to share with them the incredible potential it holds to expand their reach with young people who are looking for opportunities to be educated and join the workforce."

In addition to McGreevey, Hasenbalg and O'Brien, additional noteworthy speakers include: Tracye McDaniel, president and chief executive officer of Choose New Jersey; Dr. Michael Cooper, Dean, College of Business and Public Management, Kean University; and Dr. Eugene Laney Jr., Head of International Trade Affairs, DHL Express USA.

The event will close with a special reception and networking event hosted by DiMatteo Vineyards and Winery and a toast with their HOPE Wine. A portion of HOPE's proceeds goes to the Shirley Mae Breast Cancer Foundation.